Felco F-2 Classic Pruner

Best Pruning Shears: Comparison Guide

There are so many pruning shears to choose from that it’s difficult to know where to even start when trying to find the perfect pair. So we’ve tried to make it easier for you!

The comparison guide below shows pruning shears that we recommend so you won’t go wrong with any of these. Which one is right for you depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re not quite sure, take a look at our Best Hand Pruners Resource Guide – it describes the features to look for in a good pair for pruning shears, as well as the best brands that are easily available in the USA.

Here’s what you’ll find in the interactive table below (just sort by column to find what you’re looking for):

  • Length and Weight – to determine whether it’s too heavy or too large for you
  • Cutting Capacity – different pruning shears can cut through different stem diameters, ranging from only 1/4″ or less (perfect for deadheading) to over 1″
  • Replacement Blades – this feature allows you to extend the life of your pruning shears by replacing damaged or worn blades
  • Blade Material – the best blades are made of hardened or carbon steel (although these cost more)
  • Replacement Parts – better quality pruning shears have easily-available replacement parts to fix your pruning shears in case something breaks or gets lost
  • Ergonomic Design – not everyone likes the feel of ergonomic pruning shears, but they’re generally better for your hand and wrist
  • Rotating Handle – a nice feature if you’ll be doing a lot of pruning, although it does take a little while to get used to
  • Left-Handed – some models are made specifically for lefties
  • Price – generally speaking, you get what you pay for – but not all of us need the best of the best so we’ve included good products at a range of price points
  • Special Features – you’ll need to scroll to the right (at the bottom of the table) to see the features that set each of these pruning shears apart
Product / BrandWeight (oz.)Length (inches)Cutting CapacityReplace Blades?Blade MaterialReplace Parts?Ergonomic DesignRotating HandleLeft-
Handed
PriceSpecial Features
Felco F-2 Classic PrunerFelco F-2 Classic Pruner8.58.5"1.0"YHardened SteelY$$$sap groove, rubber shock absorber, adjustable
Felco F-6 Classic Pruner For Smaller HandsFelco F-6 Classic Pruner for Smaller Hands7.57.25"0.8"YHardened SteelY$$$sap groove, rubber shock absorber, adjustable, for smaller hands

Felco F-8 Classic Pruner with Comfortable Ergonomic Design
Felco F-8 Classic Pruner with Ergonomic Design
8.78.25"1.0"YHardened SteelYY$$$sap groove, rubber shock absorber, adjustable, wire cutting notch
Felco F-9 Classic Pruner with Comfortable Ergonomic Design for Left Handers

Felco F-9 Classic Pruner for Left Handers
8.78.25"1.0"YHardened SteelYYY$$$sap groove, rubber shock absorber, adjustable, wire cutting notch
Felco F-7 Classic Pruner with Rotating HandleFelco F-7 Classic Pruner with Rotating Handle10.28.25"1.0"YHardened SteelYYY$$$$sap groove, rubber shock absorber, adjustable, wire cutting notch
Felco F-12 Classic Pruner with Rotating Handle For Smaller HandsFelco F-12 Classic Pruner, Rotating Handle, for Smaller Hands97.25"0.8"YHardened SteelYYY$$$$sap groove, rubber shock absorber, adjustable, wire cutting notch, for smaller hands
Felco F-10 Classic Pruner with Rotating Handle For Left Handers10.28.25"1.0"YHardened SteelYYYY$$$$sap groove, rubber shock absorber, adjustable, wire cutting notch
ARS HP-VS8R 8-Inch Rotating Handle V Series Signature Heavy Duty PrunerARS HP-VS8R Pruner with Rotating Handle88.0"YHigh carbon steelYYY$$$$Squeeze-to-open, non-slip coating, hard chrome-plated, 2 sizes
ARS HP-VS8Z Signature Heavy Duty PrunerARS HP-VS8Z Heavy Duty Pruning Shears88.0"YHigh carbon steelYY$$$Squeeze-to-open, non-slip coating, hard chrome-plated, 3 sizes
ARS 8-Inch Hand Pruner HP-V8ZARS HP-V8Z Pruning Shears88.0"YHigh carbon steelYY$$$Squeeze-to-open, non-slip coating, hard chrome-plated
Bahco Ergo Bypass Pruner PXBahco PX Pruner9.19.2YYYIn medium only$$$Head design decreases arm and wrist strain, and soft grip for comfort
Bahco Ergo Bypass Pruner PXR
9.19.2YYYYIn medium only$$$Head design decreases arm and wrist strain, and soft grip for comfort
Corona BP 3160 Classic Cut Forged Bypass Pruner, 3/4-inch CutCorona Classic Pruner98.25"0.75"Heat-treated steel alloy$Non-slip cushioned grips, sap groove
Corona BP 3350 Bypass Pruner with Adjustable Grip, 7/8" Cut1.0"YHigh carbon steelYY$Non-stick coating, adjustable handles
Fiskars 9124 Professional Bypass Pruning ShearsFiskars Professional Bypass Pruning Shears1.0"Stainless SteelYAmbidextrous$$Stick free, sap groove, adjustable blade tension
Fiskars 377363-1002 UltraBlade PowerGear Bypass Pruner with GripEaseFiskars UltraBlade PowerGear Bypass Pruner0.75"Hardened SteelY$$Gear technology, soft grip handles
Dramm 18016 Stainless Steel Compact Pruner, BerryDramm Compact Pruner0.25"Stainless SteelY$Six bright colors

Please note that most of the links above are Amazon affiliate links. We recommend all of these products (otherwise they wouldn’t be on this list!). If you buy a set of pruning shears through any of these links, the Gardening Products Review will earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you). These commissions allow us to continue publishing the website and providing the quality reviews you’ve come to expect from us.

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